Fresh beef has a mild, natural gamey smell. If the meat has:

• No smell at all – It might be fake or treated with chemicals.
• A strong, unpleasant odor – It could be from a sick animal or spoiled meat.

Always trust your nose—if it smells off, don’t buy it.

4. Discolored or Blackened Beef

High-quality beef should be bright red. If it appears:

• Dark brown or black – It has been exposed to air for too long and is drying out.
• Slimy or sticky – It’s a sign of bacterial growth and spoilage.

Such meat is unsafe and should be avoided.

5. Pre-Ground Beef

While convenient, pre-ground beef from markets is risky because:

• It may contain low-quality scraps or leftover trimmings.
• Some sellers mix in cheaper meats (like pork) to cut costs.
• It’s harder to verify freshness compared to whole cuts.

For better quality and safety, buy whole cuts and grind them at home or ask the butcher to grind it fresh in front of you.

Final Tip

Always purchase meat from trusted butchers or reputable stores. Check for freshness by examining color, texture, smell, and elasticity to ensure you’re getting safe, high-quality meat.